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s a way to make a significant difference in the lives of women whose dreams need support, the University at Albany launched Initiatives For Women in 1993 to enrich and increase educational and career opportunities for women. Since its founding as the State Normal School of Albany in 1844, when five of the first 34 graduates were women, the University has continued to be an important resource for women. Many of the 19th century female graduates compiled remarkable records of accomplishment. They came to the Normal School to become teachers, and indeed, most of them became teachers, at least initially. Some of them went on to blaze trails in medicine and law, found colleges and seminaries; and rise to other prominent positions in education.

The University at Albany continues to make great strides in promoting equal opportunity for women. Initiatives for Women is an innovative program that further enhances the educational and career choices available to women students, faculty, and staff, and assists all University women in realizing their full potential.

onations to Initiatives For Women are used for a variety of programs, including, but not limited to:

Scholarships, low-interest loans, and graduate fellowships for women in financial need and/or those who show particular promise, or women returning to school at a non-traditional age. The sciences, social sciences, humanities, and public policy are just a few of the academic areas in which such women have been and will continue to be recognized.

The purchase of books and other study or career enhancement materials; defraying expenses for child care services during class hours.

Internships and training programs that enable University women at all levels to identify and pursue more effectively their educational and career goals.

Funds for course registration that creates new opportunities for women interested in entering administrative and management positions.

Career planning and advisement that includes counseling and workshops on such topics as career enhancement, personal growth, and continuing education.

Endowed chairs and professorships for scholars, policy-makers, and other advocates with expertise in women's issues. A gift will bring to the University distinguished visitors who will spend a semester, a year, or varying periods of time on campus teaching courses and special seminars; giving public lectures; and meeting with students, faculty, and members of the community.

Educational and career opportunities for women with disabilities that meet needs such as child care, seminars and workshops focusing on the empowerment of women with disabilities, and transportation to internships that allow them to achieve their educational and employment goals as well as maximum independent functioning both on campus and in the community.

Through Initiatives For Women, donors may promote the success of women of color at the University by designating gifts to support their concerns in any of the programs described above.

Research on women and women's issues. A donation enhances the University faculty's ability to explore topics ranging from employment equity and women's health, to women's contributions to history, literature, art, and science, and strengthens campus library resources relevant to women.

A wide range of financial support that enhances educational opportunities for women identified by community service organizations, reinforcing the University's ties to the Capital Region.

Enhancement of women's safety programs in the form of teaching days, presentations, and workshops on personal safety and self-defense for women, and distribution of safety awareness information to students.

Initiatives For Women benefits women students, faculty, and staff — and the University itself. In ensuring that women are given the means to advance themselves personally and professionally, donors assist the University at Albany in using its human resources wisely and well. Initiatives For Women Naming Opportunities (a partial listing) A gift may support: Named department or program Distinguished endowed chair Endowed professorship Endowed visiting professorship Research fund Fellowship/assistantship fund Endowed visiting lectureship Scholarship fund Internship/training program fund Named University Libraries collection Career planning/advisement fund Women's safety initiatives

For Further information about making gifts earmarked for Initiatives For Women, please write to the Office of the Vice President for University Advancement, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, AD 231, Albany, NY 12222, or call (518) 442-5300.